Ask Larry

Am I Able To Pay Back My Own Benefits And Revert To Drawing Survivor Benefits?

Hi,
I recently had my wife pass away last year. I started taking widow benefits but I changed over to my benefit at age 67 last month. I realized I have made a mistake and would like to pay back my benefits and revert back to my wifes widow benefits to delay mine and get the 8% credit per year. Am I able to do this now? Or did I make a mistake I can't undo?

Hi, I'm sorry for your loss. Yes, it sounds like you should be able to withdraw your application for Social Security retirement benefits as long as you haven't previously filed and withdrawn a claim for those benefits. You will also likely need to reapply for survivor benefits in order to resume drawing those benefits.

For information on withdrawing your application, refer to the following Social Security website: https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/withdrawal.html. I would suggest calling Social Security to work with a claims representative in order to fill out the necessary paperwork.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Feb 17 2021 - 6:00pm
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